Tricyclic benzazepine vasopressin antagonists

ABSTRACT

Tricyclic diazepines of the Formula I: ##STR1## wherein A, B, D, E, F, Y, and Z are defined in the specification which compounds have vasopressin and oxytocin antagonist activity.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to new tricyclic non-peptide vasopressinantagonists which are useful in treating conditions where decreasedvasopressin levels are desired, such as in congestive heart failure, indisease conditions with excess renal water reabsorption and inconditions with increased vascular resistance and coronaryvasoconstriction.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vasopressin is released from the posterior pituitary either in responseto increased plasma osmolarity detected by brain osmoreceptors ordecreased blood volume and blood pressure sensed by low-pressure volumereceptors and arterial baroreceptors. The hormone exerts its actionthrough two well defined receptor subtypes: vascular V₁ and renalepithelial V₂ receptors. Vasopressin-induced antidiuresis, mediated byrenal epithelial V₂ receptors, helps to maintain normal plasmaosmolarity, blood volume and blood pressure.

Vasopressin is involved in some cases of congestive heart failure whereperipheral resistance is increased. V₁ antagonists may decrease systemicvascular resistance, increase cardiac output and prevent vasopressininduced coronary vasoconstriction. Thus, in conditions with vasopressininduce increases in total peripheral resistance and altered local bloodflow, V₁ -antagonists may be therapeutic agents. V₁ antagonists maydecrease blood pressure, induced hypotensive effects and thus betherapeutically useful in treatment of some types of hypertension.

The blockage of V₂ receptors is useful in treating diseasescharacterized by excess renal reabsorption of free water. Antidiuresisis regulated by the hypothalamic release of vasopressin (antidiuretichormone) which binds to specific receptors on renal collecting tubulecells. This binding stimulates adenylyl cyclase and promotes thecAMP-mediated incorporation of water pores into the luminal surface ofthese cells. V₂ antagonists may correct the fluid retention incongestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephritic syndrome, centralnervous system injuries, lung disease and hyponatremia.

Elevated vasopressin levels occur in congestive heart failure which ismore common in older patients with chronic heart failure. In patientswith hyponatremic congestive heart failure and elevated vasopressinlevels, a V₂ antagonist may be beneficial in promoting free waterexcretion by antagonizing the action of antidiuretic hormone, On thebasis of biochemical and pharmacological effects of the hormone,antagonists of vasopressin are expected to be therapeutically useful inthe treatment and/or prevention of hypertension, cardiac insufficiency,coronary vasospasm, cardiac ischemia, renal vasospasm, liver cirrhosis,congestive heart failure, nephritic syndrome, brain edema, cerebralischemia, cerebral hemorrhage-stroke, thrombosis-bleeding and abnormalstates of water retention.

The following prior art references describe peptide vasopressinantagonists: M. Manning et al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 382(1992); M. Manninget al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 3895(1992); H. Gavras and B. Lammek, U.S.Pat. No. 5,070,187 (1991); M. Manning and W. H. Sawyer, U.S. Pat. No.5,055,448(1991) F. E. Ali, U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,108(1988); R. R. Ruffoloet al., Drug News and Perspective, 4(4), 217, (May)(1991). P. D.Williams et al., have reported on potent hexapeptide oxytocinantagonists [J. Med. Chem., 35, 3905(1992)] which also exhibit weakvasopressin antagonist activity in binding to V₁ and V₂ receptors.Peptide vasopressin antagonists suffer from a lack of oral activity andmany of these peptides are not selective antagonists since they alsoexhibit partial agonist activity.

Non-peptide vasopressin antagonists have recently been disclosed, Y.Yamamura et al., Science, 252, 579(1991); Y. Yamamura et al., Br. J.Pharmacol, 105, 787(1992); Ogawa et al., (Otsuka Pharm Co., LTD.) EP0514667-A1; EPO 382185-A2; WO9105549 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,510; WO9404525 Yamanouchi Pharm. Co., Ltd., WO 9420473; WO 9412476; WO 9414796;Fujisawa Co. Ltd., EP 620216-A1 Ogawa et al, (Otsuka Pharm. Co.) EP470514A disclose carbostyril derivatives and pharmaceutical compositionscontaining the same. Non-peptide oxytocin and vasopressin antagonisthave been disclosed by Merck and Co.; M. G. Bock and P. D. Williams, EP0533242A; M. G. Bock et al., EP 0533244A; J. M. Erb, D. F. Verber, P. D.Williams, EP 0533240A; K. Gilbert et al., EP 0533243A.

Premature birth can cause infant health problems and mortality and a keymediator in the mechanism of labor is the peptide hormone oxytocin. Onthe basis of the pharmacological action of oxytocin, antagonists of thishormone are useful in the prevention of preterm labor, B. E. Evans etal., J. Med. Chem. 35, 3919(1992), J. Med. Chem., 36, 3993(1993) andreferences therein. The compounds of this invention are antagonists ofthe peptide hormone oxytocin and are useful in the control of prematurebirth.

The present invention relates to novel tricyclic derivatives whichexhibit antagonist activity at V₁ and/or V₂ receptors and exhibit invivo vasopressin antagonist activity. The compounds also exhibitantagonist activity at oxytocin receptors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to new compounds selected from those of thegeneral formula I: ##STR2## wherein Y is a moiety selected from;--(CH₂)_(n) -- wherein n is an integer 0 or 1, and A--B is a moietyselected from ##STR3## wherein m is an integer from 1 to 2; and themoiety: ##STR4## represents: (1) phenyl or substituted phenyl optionallysubstituted by one or two substitutents selected from (C₁ -C₃)loweralkyl, halogen, amino, (C₁ -C₃)lower alkoxy or (C₁ -C₃)lower alkylamino;(2) a 5-membered aromatic (unsaturated) heterocyclic ring having oneheteroatom selected from O, N or S; (3) a 6-membered aromatic(unsaturated) heterocyclic ring having one nitrogen; (4) a 5 or6-membered aromatic (unsaturated) heterocyclic ring having two nitrogenatoms; (5) a 5-membered aromatic (unsaturated) heterocyclic ring havingone nitrogen atom together with either one oxygen or one sulfur atom;wherein the 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic rings are optionallysubstituted by (C₁ -C₃)lower alkyl, halogen or (C₁ -C₃)lower alkoxy;

the moiety: ##STR5## is a five membered aromatic(unsaturated) nitrogencontaining heterocyclic ring wherein D, E and F are selected from carbonor nitrogen and wherein the carbon atoms may be optionally substitutedby a substituent selected from halogen, (C₁ -C₃)lower alkyl, hydroxy,-COCl₃, --COCF₃, ##STR6## --CHO, amino, (C₁ -C₃)lower alkoxy and (C₁-C₃)lower alkylamino, --CONH--(C₁ -C₃)lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃), --CON[loweralkyl(C₁ -C₃)]₂ ; q is one or two; R_(b) is independently selected fromhydrogen, --CH₃ and --C₂ H₅ ;

R³ is a moiety of the formula: ##STR7## wherein Ar is ##STR8## whereinR⁶ is selected from ##STR9## wherein L is O, S, SO, SO₂, --CO--, --CH₂--, --C.tbd.C--; K' is CH or N; X is O, S, N-lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃) and W'is selected from O, S, NH, N-lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃) and N-benzyl;

R⁴ is selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃), --CO-- lower alkyl(C₁-C₃); R¹ and R² are selected from hydrogen, (C₁ -C₃)lower alkyl, (C₁-C₃)lower alkoxy and halogen;

R⁵ is selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃), lower alkoxy(C₁ -C₃)--O--CH₂ --CH═CH₂ and halogen; R⁷ is selected from hydrogen, loweralkyl(C₁ -C₃), halogen, O-lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃) and CF₃ ; R⁸ and R⁹ areindependently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃), --S-loweralkyl(C₁ -C₃), halogen, --NH-lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃), --N-[lower alkyl(C₁-C₃)]₂, --OCF₃, --OH, --CN, --S--CF₃, --NO₂, --NH₂, O-lower alkyl (C₁-C₃), CO-lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃) and CF₃ ; and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Within the group of compounds defined by Formula I, certain subgroups ofcompounds are broadly preferred. Broadly preferred are those compoundswherein R³ is the moiety: ##STR10## and Ar is selected from the moiety##STR11## wherein R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are as hereinbefore defined.

Especially preferred are compounds wherein R³ is the moiety ##STR12##and Ar is selected from the moiety ##STR13## R⁶ is ##STR14## wherein K',X, L, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined.

Also especially preferred are compounds where Y in Formula I is--(CH₂)_(n) -- and n is zero or one; A--B is ##STR15## and K', X, L, R³,R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined and m is an integerfrom 1-2.

The most preferred of the compounds of Formula I are those wherein Y is--(CH₂)_(n) -- and n is one; A--B is ##STR16## R³ is a moiety ##STR17##and Ar is selected from the moiety ##STR18## R⁶ is ##STR19## wherein K',X, L, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined.

The most highly broadly preferred of the compounds of Formula I arethose wherein Y is --(CH₂)_(n) -- and n is one or zero; wherein themoiety ##STR20## is a phenyl, substituted phenyl, thiophene, furan,pyrrole or pyridine ring; ##STR21## m is one when n is one and m is twowhen n is zero; D, E, F, K', L, X, R³, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are aspreviously defined;

Especially preferred are compounds wherein R³ is the moiety ##STR22##and Ar is selected from the moiety ##STR23## R⁶ is ##STR24## wherein K',L, X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined.

The especially preferred of the compounds of Formula I are those whereinY is --(CH₂)_(n) -- and n is one; A--B is ##STR25## R³ is a moiety##STR26## and Ar is selected from the moiety ##STR27## R⁶ is ##STR28##wherein K', X, L, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined.

More particularly preferred are compounds of the formulae: ##STR29##wherein the moiety: ##STR30## is selected from a phenyl, thiophene,furan, pyrrole or pyridine ring; wherein R³ is the moiety ##STR31## andAr is selected from the moiety ##STR32## R⁶ is ##STR33## wherein K', L,X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined.

Also particularly preferred are compounds of the formulae: ##STR34##wherein m is two; and the moiety ##STR35## is selected from a phenyl,thiophene, furan, pyrrole or pyridine ring; wherein R³ is the moiety##STR36## and Ar is selected from the moiety ##STR37## R⁶ is ##STR38##wherein K', L, X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined.

More particularly preferred are compounds of the formulae: ##STR39##wherein R³ is the moiety ##STR40## and Ar is selected from the moiety##STR41## R⁶ is ##STR42## wherein K', L, X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are ashereinbefore defined.

Also particularly preferred are compounds of the formulae: ##STR43##wherein R³ is the moiety ##STR44## and Ar is selected from the moiety##STR45## R⁶ is ##STR46## m is two; wherein K', L, X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹are as hereinbefore defined.

More particularly preferred are compounds of the formulae: ##STR47##wherein the moiety: ##STR48## is selected from a phenyl, thiophene,furan, pyrrole or pyridine ring; wherein R³ is the moiety ##STR49## andAr is selected from the moiety ##STR50## R⁶ is ##STR51## wherein K', L,X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are as hereinbefore defined.

More particularly preferred are compounds of the formulae: ##STR52##wherein R³ is the moiety ##STR53## and Ar is selected from the moiety##STR54## R⁶ is ##STR55## wherein K', L, X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are ashereinbefore defined.

Compounds of this invention may be prepared as shown in Scheme I byreaction of tricyclic derivatives of Formula 3a and 3b wherein Z, Y, D,E, F and m are hereinbefore defined, with a substituted or unsubstituted4-iodobenzoyl chloride 4a or a substituted orunsubstituted-6-iodopyridine-3-carbonyl chloride 4b wherein R⁵ and R⁷are hereinbefore defined to give intermediates 5a and 5b. Reaction of 5aand 5b with tributyltin derivatives 8a, 8b or 8c where R⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹,K', and X are hereinbefore defined affords 7a and 7b. ##STR56##

Compounds of structural type 8a, 8b, and 8c are prepared as shown inScheme II from the corresponding bromo starting materials 6a, 6b, and 6cwherein R⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and K' and X are hereinbefore defined, by firstreacting with butyl lithium followed by reaction with tri-n-butyltinchloride to give the desired tin compound 8a, 8b and 8c. ##STR57##

Alternatively, as shown in Scheme III, the bromo derivates 9a and 9bwherein A', Z, Y, D, E, F, R⁵, R⁷ and m are hereinbefore defined(prepared by reaction of 3a and 3b with acid chloride 8d wherein R⁵, R⁷and A' are hereinbefore defined) are reacted withtetrakis(tri-phenylphosphine)palladium (O) and bis(tributyltin) in thepresence of lithium chloride to give tin intermediate 11a and 11b.Further reaction of the tributyl tin derivatives 11a and 11b with bromoderivatives 10a, 10b or 10c, wherein M' is bromo or iodo and K', X, R⁵,R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are hereinbefore defined, in the presence oftetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (O) gives 12a and 12b. ##STR58##

As shown in Scheme IV, coupling of bromo derivative 9a and 9b wherein Z,Y, D, E, F, A', R⁵, R⁷ and m are hereinbefore defined, with tributyltinderivatives 13a, 13b and 13c wherein R⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, K' and X arehereinbefore defined affords derivatives 14a and 14b where the linkingunit between the two aromatic rings is a methylene (--CH₂ --) group. Thetributyltin derivatives 13a, 13b and 13c are prepared by standardprocedures described in the literature. ##STR59##

Alternatively, derivatives of structural type 14a and 14b may beprepared by coupling tributyltin derivatives of formulae 11a and 11bwith either bromomethyl or iodomethyl derivatives of formulae 15a, 15band 15c wherein R⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, X and K' are hereinbefore defined and M'is I or Br, as shown in Scheme V. ##STR60##

Tributyltin compounds 13a, 13b and 13c wherein L is --CH₂ -- and K', X,R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are hereinbefore defined are prepared by reaction oftributyltin hydride with butyl lithium followed by reaction withbromomethyl derivatives 15a, 15b or 15c wherein M' is bromine as shownin Scheme VI. ##STR61##

Compounds 17a and 17b of this invention wherein L is O, S, SO, SO₂, COor --CH₂ -- are preferably prepared by reaction of the tricyclicdiazepines 3a or 3b with preformed carboxylic acid units of formula 16apreferably activated by formation of the acid chlorides 16b (SchemeVII). ##STR62##

Preformed carboxylic acid units of formula 18a preferably activated byformation of the acid chloride 18b and having the formula ##STR63##wherein R⁵, R⁷ and A' are hereinbefore defined and R⁶ is selected from##STR64## wherein K', X, R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are hereinbefore defined aresynthesized as shown in Scheme VIII by reaction of 19 where R¹² is anappropriate removeable carboxylic acid blocking group (alkyl and benzyl)with tributyl tin compounds 8a, 8b, and 8c in the presence of Pd(O) togive intermediate 20. ##STR65##

Bromination of 21 wherein R⁵, R⁷ and R¹² are hereinbefore defined, withN-bromosuccinimide in the presence of ultraviolet light gives bromointermediate 22 which is coupled with 8a, 8b and 8c in the presence ofPd(O) to give intermediates 23 wherein A' is CH or N as previouslydefined.

Additional intermediates necessary for coupling to tricyclic derivatives3a and 3b wherein Z, Y, D, E, F, and m hereinbefore defined and havingthe formula 25 wherein R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹² are hereinbeforedefined and L is --C.tbd.C-- are synthesized as shown in Scheme X.##STR66##

Acetylene intermediates 26a, 26b and 26c wherein R⁵, R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ arehereinbefore defined, prepared from the corresponding aldehyde byreaction with carbon tetrabromide, and triphenylphosphine in methylenechloride followed by butyl lithium are reacted with iodo intermediate 24wherein R⁵, R⁷ and R¹² are hereinbefore defined in the presence ofpalladium (O) to give 26a, 26b, 26c, where L is --C.tbd.C--.

Further intermediates for coupling to tricyclic derivatives 3a and 3bwhere L is O or S and wherein Z, Y, D, E, F, and m are hereinbeforedefined and having the formula 30, 31, and 32 wherein R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R¹²are hereinbefore defined are synthesized as shown in Scheme XI.##STR67##

Reaction of 27 wherein A', R⁵, R⁷ and R¹² are hereinbefore defined withsodium salt 28 or 29 in a suitable solvent such as DMF givesintermediates 30 and 31. Further reaction of derivative 31 with one moleof 3-chloroperbenzoic acid gives sulfoxide intermediate 32a and reactionwith two moles of 3-chloroperbenzoic acid affords the sulfoneintermediate 32b.

Other useful intermediates for the preparation of compounds of thisinvention wherein the connecting atom L is an oxygen atom betweenaryl-L-heteroaryl, heteroaryl-L-aryl or heteroaryl-1-heteroaryl units asexemplified in formulae 34a, 34b and 37 are prepared as shown in SchemesXII and XIII. The reactions are carried out in inert solvents such asN,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinoneand the like where MH is a metal hydride such as lithium, potassium, andsodium hydride. The reaction in Schemes XII and XIII may also be carriedout by first forming the anions of 33a, 33b and 35 by reaction with anappropriate alkoxide such as potassium t-butoxide. ##STR68##

Compounds of this invention may be prepared as shown in Scheme XIV byreaction of tricyclic derivatives of Formula 3a and 3b wherein Z, Y, D,E, F and m are hereinbefore defined, with acid chloride 38 wherein R⁵and W' are hereinbefore defined to give intermediates 39a and 39b.Reaction of 39a and 39b with tributyltin derivatives 8a, 8b or 8c whereR⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, K' and X are hereinbefore defined affords 40a and 40b.##STR69##

Alternatively, as shown in Scheme XV, the bromo derivates 39a and 39bwherein W', Y, D, E, F, R⁵, and m are hereinbefore defined are reactedwith tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (O) and bis(tributyltin) inthe presence of lithium chloride to give tin intermediate 41a and 41b.Further reaction of the tributyl tin derivatives 41a and 41b with bromoderivatives 10a, 10b or 10c wherein M' is bromo or iodo and K', X, R⁵,R⁸ and R⁹ are hereinbefore defined, in the presence oftetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (O) gives 42a and 42b. ##STR70##

As shown in Scheme XVI, coupling of bromo derivative 39a and 39b withtributyltin derivatives 13a, 13b and 13c affords derivatives 43a and 43bwhere the linking unit between the two aromatic rings is a methylene(--CH₂ --) group. The tributyltin derivatives 13a, 13b and 13c areprepared by standard procedures described in the literature. ##STR71##Compounds of this invention may be prepared as shown in Schemes XVII andXVIII by reaction of 44 wherein W', R⁵, and R¹² are hereinbefore definedby reaction with tributyltin derivatives 8a, 8b, or 8c where R⁵, R⁷, R⁸,R⁹, K' and X are hereinbefore defined affords 45 wherein R⁶ ishereinbefore defined. Reaction of 45 with tricyclic derivatives ofFormula 3a and 3b wherein Z, Y, D, E, F and m are hereinbefore definedaffords 46a and 46b. ##STR72## Compounds of this invention may beprepared as shown in Schemes XIX and XX. Reaction of 44 wherein W', R⁵are hereinbefore defined and R¹² is hereinbefore defined with butyllithium and tributyltin chloride affords 47 which is reacted withderivatives 15a, 15b, or 15c where R⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, K', X and M' arehereinbefore defined affords 48 wherein R⁶ is defined. Reaction of 48with tricyclic derivatives of Formula 3a and 3b wherein Z, Y, D, E, Fand m are hereinbefore defined affords 49a and 49b.

Reference Example 110,11-Dihydro-10-(4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a stirred solution of 1.8 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine and 3 ml oftriethylamine in 100 ml of methylene chloride at 0° C. is added asolution of 2.8 g of 4-iodobenzoyl chloride in 25 ml of methylenechloride. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 4hours and evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is partitioned betweenwater and chloroform. The organic layer is dried over Na₂ SO₄, filteredand evaporated in vacuo to a brown residue which is crystallized fromether-hexane to give 3.0 g of the desired product. Mass spectrum:M+H:323.

Reference Example 210,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(tributylstannyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 4.1 g of10,11-dihydro-10-(4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine,200 mg of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (O), 11.6 g ofbis(tributyl)tin and 4.0 g of lithium chloride in 100 ml of anhydrousdioxane is refluxed for 24 hours. The reaction mixture is filtered andthe residue is washed with dioxane. The combined filtrates areevaporated in vacuo to a residue which is purified by columnchromatography on silica gel by elution with 30% ethyl acetate-hexane togive 5.0 g of the desired product as a solid. Mass spectrum: M+H:583.

Reference Example 3 2-(Tributylstannyl)toluene

To a stirred solution of 3.4 g of 2-bromotoluene in 100 ml of drytetrahydrofuran at -78° C. is slowly added 8 ml of 2.5M butyl lithium inhexane. The reaction mixture is stirred for 30 minutes and 6.5 g oftri-n-butyl tin chloride in 25 ml of tetrahydrofuran added. The reactionmixture is stirred an additional 1 hour, quenched with water andextracted with ether. The ether extract is dried over Na₂ SO₄, filteredand the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to give 7.0 g of a residue. Massspectrum: M+H:381.

Reference Example 4 1-(2-Nitrophenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde

To a solution of 3.76 g of 1-(2-nitrophenyl)pyrrole in 20 ml ofN,N-dimethylformamide at 0° C. is added dropwise with stirring 3 ml ofphosphorus oxychloride. Stirring is continued for 30 minutes and thereaction mixture is heated at 90° C. for 1 hour. After cooling to roomtemperature the mixture is treated with crushed ice and the pH adjustedto 12 with 2N sodium hydroxide. The resulting suspension is filtered,washed with water and dried to give 5.81 g of the desired product as alight yellow solid m.p. 119°-122° C.

Reference Example 5 4,5-Dihydro-pyrrolo-[1,2-a]-quinoxaline

To a solution of 1.0 g of 1-(2-nitrophenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehydein 40 ml of ethyl alcohol and 40 ml of ethyl acetate, under argon, isadded 40 mg of 10% Pd/C. The mixture is hydrogenated at 40 psi for 2hours and filtered through diatomaceous earth. The filtrate isconcentrated in vacuo to a residue which is dissolved in ether andtreated with hexanes to give 0.35 g of the desired product as a beigesolid m.p. 108°-110° C.

Reference Example 6 N-(2-Nitrobenzoyl)pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde

To an ice bath cooled solution of 5.6 g of 2-pyrrolecarboxaldehyde in 40ml of tetrahydrofuran is added 2.4 g of 60% sodium hydride in mineraloil. The temperature elevates to 40° C. After stirring for 20 minutes asolution of 11.0 g of 2-nitrobenzoyl chloride in 20 ml oftetrahydrofuran is added dropwise for 20 minutes. After stirring in thecold for 45 minutes, the reaction mixture is poured into ice water andether then filtered. The cake is washed with additional ether. The twophase filtrate is separated and the ether layer dried and concentratedin vacuo to give 10 g of a residue as a dark syrup which is scratchedwith ethanol to give crystals which are collected by filtration, washedwith ether and then dried to afford 3.2 g of solid, m.p. 95°-99° C.

Reference Example 710,11-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-5-one

A mixture of 1.5 g of N-(2-nitrobenzoyl)pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde in 50ml of ethyl acetate, 2 drops of concentrated HCl and 0.3 g of 10% Pd/Cis shaken in a Parr apparatus under hydrogen pressure for 2 hours. Thereaction mixture is filtered through diatomaceous earth and the filtrateconcentrated in vacuo to give 1.0 g of a yellow oil. The residue ispurified on thick layer chromatography plates by elution with 4:1 ethylacetate:hexane to give 107 mg of the desired product as an oily solid.

Reference Example 8 1-(2-Nitrobenzyl)-2-pyrrolecarboxaldehyde

To 5.56 g of 60% sodium hydride in mineral oil, washed three times withhexane, is added 300 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide under argon. Thereaction mixture is cooled in an ice-bath and 13.2 g ofpyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde is added slowly. The reaction mixture becomes acomplete solution and is stirred for an additional 10 minutes. Whilestirring, 30.0 g of 2-nitrobenzyl bromide is added slowly. Aftercomplete addition, the reaction mixture is stirred for 30 minutes, theice bath is removed and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperaturefor 24 hours. The N,N-dimethylformamide is concentrated in vacuo to givea residue which is stirred with ice water for 1 hour. The resultingsolid is collected, air dried, then vacuum dried to give 30.64 g of thedesired product as a tan solid, m.p. 128°-132° C.

Reference Example 9 10,11-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 30.6 g of 1-(2-nitrobenzyl)-2-pyrrolecarboxaldehyde and3.06 g of 10% Pd/C in 400 ml of ethyl acetate and 400 ml of ethylalcohol is hydrogenated over 18 hours. The reaction mixture is filteredthrough diatomaceous earth and the filtrate is treated with activatedcarbon and filtered through diatomaceous earth. The filtrate isconcentrated in vacuo to give a residue which is dissolved in methylenechloride containing ethyl alcohol. The solution is passed through a padof silica gel and the pad washed with a 7:1 hexane-ethyl acetatesolution to give 16.31 g of the desired product as solid, m.p. 145°-148°C.

Reference Example 10 1-(o-Nitrobenzyl)-imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde

A 2.0 g portion of sodium hydride (60% in oil) is washed with pentanetwo times. To the residue is added 110 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide underargon. With stirring and external cooling, 4.80 g of2-imidazolecarboxaldehyde is added and the cooling bath removed. Slightexternal heating results in a yellow solution. The reaction mixture ischilled in ice and 10.8 g of 2 -nitrobenzyl bromide is added. Thereaction mixture is stirred at 0° C. for 18 hours. The volatiles areremove in vacuo to a residue which is stirred with ice water, filteredand the cake washed well with water and suction dried to give 10.9 g ofthe desired product as a solid, m.p. 141°-144° C. MH+232.

Reference Example 11 10,11-Dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A 5.0 g sample of 1-(o-nitrobenzyl)-imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde isdissolved in 150 ml of hot ethyl alcohol, cooled to room temperature andfiltered. To the filtrate is added 0.5 g of 10% Pd/C and the mixturehydrogenated at 48 psi for 4 hours. An additional 0.5 g of 10% Pd/C isadded and hydrogenation continued for 25 hours at 65 psi. The mixture isfiltered through diatomaceous earth and the cake washed with ethylacetate. The filtrate is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which isdissolved in methylene chloride, treated with activated carbon, filteredthrough diatomaceous earth and hexanes added to the filtrate at the boilto give 1.86 g of the desired product as a crystalling solid, m.p.164°-170° C.

Reference Example 12 10,11-Dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a suspension of 4 mmol of lithium aluminum hydride in 20 ml ofanhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added a 1 mmol solution of10,11-dihydro-11-oxo-5H-imidazo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine and themixture is refluxed for 24 hours and cooled at 0° C. To the mixture isadded dropwise 0.12 ml of water and 6 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide. Themixture is extracted with ethyl acetate and the solvent removed to givethe desired product as a solid. Recrystallization from methylenechloride-hexane gives crystals, m.p. 164°-170° C.

Reference Example 1310-[(6-Bromo-3-pyridinyl)carbonyl]-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine and 10 ml oftriethylamine in 50 ml of dichloromethane under argon is added 3 g of6-bromopyridine-3-carbonyl bromide. The mixture is stirred at roomtemperature for 16 hours and then poured into 100 ml of water. Theorganic layer is separated and washed with 2% HCl, water, saturatedNaHCO₃ and dried (Na₂ SO₄), the solvent removed under vacuum and theresidue chromatographed on silica gel with ethyl acetate-hexane assolvent to give the product as a solid.

Reference Example 149,10-Dihydro-4H-furo[2,3-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepine

To a suspension of 4 mmol of lithium aluminum hydride in 25 ml ofanhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added 1 mmol of9,10-dihydro-4H-furo[2,3-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepin-9-one. Themixture is refluxed for 12 hours and allowed to stand overnight. To themixture is added dropwise 0.12 ml of water and then 6 ml of 1N sodiumhydroxide. The mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate and the extractdried (Na₂ SO₄). The volatiles are removed in vacuo to give the desiredproduct as a solid.

Reference Example 159,10-Dihydro-4H-furo[2,3-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepine

A solution of 1 mmol of 4H-furo[2,3-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepine and0.2 g if 10% Pd/C in 10 ml of ethanol is hydrogenated for 18 hours. Thereaction mixture is filtered through diatomaceous earth and the filtrateis evaporated in vacuo to give the desired product as a solid.

Reference Example 1610-[(6-Iodo-3-pyridinyl)carbonyl]-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine and 10 ml oftriethylamine in 50 ml of dichloromethane under argon is added 3.2 g of6-iodopyridine-3-carbonyl chloride. The mixture is stirred at roomtemperature for 16 hours and then poured into 100 ml of water. Theorganic layer is separated and washed with 2% HCl, water, saturatedNaHCO₃ and dried (Na₂ SO₄). The solvent is removed under vacuum and theresidue chromatographed on silica gel with ethyl acetate-hexane assolvent to give the product as a solid.

Reference Example 179,10-Dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[2,3-e][1,4]diazepine

To a mixture of 7.0 g of9-oxo-9,10-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[2,3-e][1,4]diazepin in 25 mlof anhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added 9 ml of 10 molarboron-dimethylsulfide in tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is refluxed for 6hours. The solution is cooled to room temperature and 25 ml of methanoladded dropwise. The volatiles are removed under vacuum. To the residueis added 100 ml of 2N NaOH. The mixture is refluxed 5 hours andfiltered. The solid is extracted with dichloromethane and the extract iswashed with 2N citric acid, water and dried (Na₂ SO₄). The solvent isremoved in vacuo to give the desired product as a solid.

Reference Example 184,10-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e][1,4]diazepine

To a suspension of 7.0 g of5-oxo-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e][1,4]diazepine in 25 ml ofanhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added 9 ml of 10M borane-dimethylsulfide intetrahydrofuran. The mixture is refluxed for 6 hours. The solution iscooled to room temperature and 25 ml of methanol added dropwise. Thevolatiles are removed under vacuum. To the residue is added 100 ml of 2NNaOH. The mixture is refluxed 5 hours and filtered. The solid isextracted with dichloromethane and the extract is washed with 2N citricacid, water and dried (Na₂ SO₄). The solvent is removed to give a solid.

Reference Example 195,6-Dihydro-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 7.0 g of5,6-dihydro-4H-[1,2,4]-triazolo-[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-one in 25 mlof tetrahydrofuran is added 9 ml of 10M boranedimethylsulfide intetrahydrofuran. The mixture is refluxed for 6 hours, cooled to roomtemperature and 25 ml of methanol added dropwise. The volatiles areremoved under vacuum and to the residue is added 100 ml of 2N sodiumhydroxide. The mixture is refluxed for 5 hours, chilled and extractedwith dichloromethane. The extract is washed with 2N citric acid, waterand dried (Na₂ SO₄). The solvent is removed under vacuum to give asolid. The solid is purified by chromatography on silica gel to give thedesired product.

Reference Example 20 1-(2-Nitrophenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde

A sample of 4.7 g of sodium hydride (60% in oil) is washed with hexane(under argon). To the sodium hydride is added 200 ml of dryN,N-dimethylformamide and the mixture is chilled to 0° C. To the mixtureis added 10.11 g of pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde in small portions. Themixture is stirred 10 minutes and 15.0 g of 1-fluoro-2-nitrobenzeneadded dropwise. After the addition, the mixture is stirred at roomtemperature 16 hours and the mixture concentrated (65° C.) under highvacuum. To the residue is added 400 ml of dichloromethane and themixture washed with 150 ml each of H₂ O, brine and dried (Na₂ SO₄). Thesolvent is removed in vacuo to give a yellow solid. Crystallization fromethyl acetate-hexane (9:1) gives 17.0 g of light yellow crystals, m.p.119°-122° C.

Reference Example 214,10-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e][1,4]diazepine

To an ice cooled mixture of 2.1 g of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid and 3.2 gof methyl 3-amino-thiophene-2-carboxylate in 40 ml of drydichloromethane is added 4 g of N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Themixture is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and filtered. Thefilter cake is washed with dichloromethane and then extracted twice with60 ml of acetone. The acetone extract is concentrated tdo dryness togive 0.8 g of solid, m.p. 214°-218° C. To a suspension of the precedingcompound (1.19 g) in 20 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran is added 0.2 g ofsodium hydride (60% in oil). After the hydrogen evolution, the mixtureis stirred and refluxed for 4.5 hours, cooled and poured into ice-water.The precipitated solid is filtered and the solid triturated withpetroleum ether (bp 30°-60° C.) to give 0.75 g of4,10-dihydro-4,10-dioxo-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e][1,4]diazepine asa solid, m.p. 280°-290° C. The preceding compound (0.362 g) is added toan ice-water cooled solution of 1M diborane in tetrahydrofuran. Themixture is stirred at room temperature for 65 hours. The solution isconcentrated to dryness and ice-water added to the residue. The mixtureis acidified with dilute HCl, stirred and then basified with solidNaHCO₃. The mixture is filtered to give 0.223 g of a solid (foam) m.p.80°-85° C.

Reference Example 2210,11-Dihydro-5H-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-c][1,4]-benzodiazepine

A mixture of 2.2 g of 2-cyanoaniline, 2.0 g of methyl bromoacetate and1.3 g of potassium carbonate in 12 ml of dry N,N-dimethylformamide isheated at 150°-155° C. for 40 minutes. The cooled mixture is poured intoice-water and the mixture filtered to give 2 g of methyl[N-(2-cyanophenyl)amino]acetate as a yellow solid, m.p. 70°-78° C. Thepreceding compound (2.0 g) is added to a solution of 0.5 g of sodiummethoxide in 50 ml of methanol. The mixture is shaken under anatmosphere of hydrogen with the catalyst Raney-Ni for 19 hours. Themixture is filtered through diatomaceous earth and the filtrateevaporated. Water is added to the residue and the mixture filtered togive 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-one as a yellow solid,m.p. 167°-170° C.

A mixture of the preceding compound (1.6 g) and 0.84 g of phosphoruspentasulfide in 10 ml of dry (dried over KOH) pyridine is stirred andheated at 80°-85° C. for 15 minutes. The mixture is poured into waterand stirred for 30 minutes. Filtration gives 1.0 g of1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-thione as yellow solid, m.p.150°-153° C.

The preceding compound (0.5 g) and 0.5 g of N-formylhydrazine in 6 ml ofdry n-butanol is refluxed for 16 hours and the solvent removed. Thegummy residue is triturated with cold water and the mixture filtered.The solid is triturated with acetone to give 0.19 g of yellow solid,m.p. 232°-237° C.

Reference Example 234,5-Dihydro-6H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]-benzodiazepine

A mixture of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-thione (0.8 g)and 0.80 g of N-formylhydrazine in 8 ml of n-butanol is stirred andrefluxed for 18 hours and the solvent removed under vacuum. Ice water isadded to the residual solid and the mixture filtered to give 0.312 g ofa gray solid, m.p. 162°-165° C.

Reference Example 24 4,5-Dihydro-6H-imidazo[1,2-a][1,5]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 30 g of acrylic acid, 33 g of o-phenylenediamine is heatedon a steam bath for 1.5 hours and the cooled black mixture trituratedwith ice-water. The aqueous phase is decanted and ice and aqueousammonium hydroxide added to the residue. The mixture is extracted withdichloromethane and the extract concentrated to dryness. The residue istriturated with carbon tetrachloride and filtered. The oily solid istriturated with a small amount of ethanol to give 9.7 g of a solid.Trituration of the solid with ethyl acetate gives2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-one as an impure solid, m.p.75°-107° C.

A mixture of the preceding compound (11.3 g) and 5.9 g of phosphoruspentasulfide in 70 ml of dry pyridine is stirred and heated atapproximately 80° C. for 20 minutes. The mixture is poured into waterand the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. Filtration gives 8.6 g of2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-thione as a solid, m.p.154°-157° C.

A mixture of the preceding compound (0.70 g), 1.0 g of aminoacetaldehydedimethyl acetal and 15 mg of 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid monohydrate in6 ml of dry n-butanol is refluxed for 4 hours and the solvent removedunder vacuum. The residue is heated (refluxed) with 10 ml of 3Nhydrochloric acid for 55 minutes. Ice is added to the cooled mixture andthe mixture made basic with solid NaHCO₃. The mixture is extracted withdichloromethane and the extract dried (Na₂ SO₄). The solvent is removedto give an orange syrup which solidified on standing. The oily solid istriturated with acetone to give a light yellow solid (0.185 g) m.p.119°-122° C.

Reference Example 25 1-(2-Nitrophenyl)-2-pyrroleacetic acid, ethyl ester

To a stirred mixture of 1.88 g of 1-(2-nitrophenyl)pyrrole, 4.80 g ofethyl iodoacetate and 2.22 g of FeSO₄.7H₂ O in 40 ml of dimethylsulfoxide is added dropwise 10 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide while keepingthe reaction mixture at room temperature with a cold water bath. Themixture is stirred at room temperature for one day. An additional 2.4 gof ethyl iodoacetate, 1.1 g of FeSO₄.7H₂ O and 5 ml of 30% hydrogenperoxide is added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 day.The mixture is diluted with water and extracted with diethyl ether. Theorganic extract is washed with water, brine and dried (Na₂ SO₄). Thesolvent is removed and the residue (2.12 g) chromatographed on silicagel with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:4) as solvent to give 0.30 g of productas a brown gum.

Reference Example 26 6,7-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-6-one

To a solution of 0.8 mmol of 1-(2-nitrophenyl)-2-pyrroleacetic acid,ethyl ester in 3 ml of ethanol is added stannus chloride dihydrate(SnCl₂.H₂ O) in 2 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid (with cooling inwater bath). The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 5 hours andchilled in an ice bath. To the mixture is added slowly saturated sodiumcarbonate solution. The solid which precipitates is filtered and thesolid washed with water and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethylacetate extract is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and the solvent removed to give 0.16g of solid which is triturated with ether to give 0.11 g of product asan off-white solid.

Reference Example 27 6,7-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,5]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 0.070 g of6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-6-one in 2 ml oftetrahydrofuran is added 0.45 ml of a 2.0M solution ofdiborane-dimethylsulfide in tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is refluxed for3 hours, poured into water and made basic with 2N NaOH. Thetetrahydrofuran is removed under vacuum and the residual aqueous mixtureextracted with diethyl ether. The extract is washed with brine, dried(Na₂ SO₄) and the solvent removed to give 0.065 g of a colorless oil;one spot by thin layer chromatography (silica gel) with ethylacetate-hexane (1:2) as solvent (Rf 0.81).

Reference Example 281-[2-Nitro-5-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzyl]-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde

To a stirred slurry of 2.2 g of sodium hydride (60% in oil, washed withhexane) in tetrahydrofuran is added at 0° C. a solution of 4.5 g ofpyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde in 25 ml of tetrahydrofuran. After the additionis complete, a solution of 15 g of ethyl 4-nitro-3-bromomethylbenzoatein 30 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran is slowly added under nitrogen. Thereaction mixture is stirred at 20° C. for 8 hours and carefully quenchedwith water. The reaction mixture is extracted with chloroform which iswashed with water, dried with Na₂ SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give12 g of the desired product as a solid; mass spectrum (M+H) 349.

Reference Example 291-[2-Nitro-4-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzyl]-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde

The conditions of Reference Example 28 are used with ethyl3-nitro-4-bromomethylbenzoate to give 13.0 g of the desired product as asolid; mass spectrum (M+H) 349.

Reference Example 30 Ethyl10,11-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-7-carboxylate

A solution of 10.0 g of1-[2-nitro-5-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzyl]-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde in 150 mlof absolute ethanol containing 1.0 g of 10% Pd/C is hydrogenated in aParr apparatus for 16 hours under 40 psi of hydrogen. The reactionmixture is filtered through a pad of diatomaceous earth and the filtrateconcentrated in vacuo to a residue of 5.5 g of the desired product as asolid; mass spectrum (M+H)255.

Reference Example 31 Ethyl10,11-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-carboxylate

The hydrogenation conditions of Reference Example 30 are used with1-[2-nitro-4-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzyl]-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde to give5.0 g of the desired product as a solid; mass spectrum (M+H)255.

Reference Example 32 4-[(4-Methylphenyl)thio]benzoic Acid

A mixture of 6.0 g of 4-mercapto-toluene and 9.2 g of potassiumt-butoxide is stirred at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere in50 ml of dimethylsulfoxide for 10 minutes followed by the addition of11.5 g of 4-bromobenzoic acid and 0.2 g of copper metal. The reactionmixture is stirred at 210° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture ispoured over crushed ice and filtered through diatomaceous earth. Thefiltrate is acidified with HCl until pH 2. The resulting solid iscollected, washed with water and 60 ml of petroleum ether to give 8.5 gof the desired product, m.p. 105°-107° C., M+H=245.

Reference Example 33 4-(Phenylthio)benzoic Acid

The conditions to prepare Reference Example 32 c1384847 are used with6.0 g of mercaptobenzene, 12.22 g of potassium t-butoxide and 13.15 g of4-bromobenzoic acid to give 12.0 g of the desired product as a solid,m.p. 101°-103° C.; M+H=231.

Reference Example 34 4-(Phenylthio)benzoyl Chloride

A solution of 2.0 g of Reference Example 33 in 30 ml of thionyl chlorideunder nitrogen is refluxed for 40 minutes. The volatiles are evaporatedin vacuo and the residue evaporated two times with 30 ml of carbontetrachloride to give the desired product as a residue which isdissolved in 30 ml of methylene chloride and used in the next step.

Reference Example 35 4-[(4-Methylphenyl)thio]benzoyl Chloride

The conditions to prepare Reference Example 34 are used with 2.0 g ofReference Example 32 and 30 ml of thionyl chloride to give 2.16 g of thedesired product in a solution of 30 ml of methylene chloride.

Reference Example 36 4-(Benzoyl)benzoyl Chloride

The conditions to prepare Reference Example 34 are used with 2.0 g of4-benzoylbenzoic acid and 30 ml of thionyl chloride to give the desiredproduct in a solution of 30 ml of methylene chloride.

Reference Example 37 4-[(4-Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoyl Chloride

The conditions to prepare Reference Example 34 are used with 2.0 g ofReference Example 38 and 30 ml of thionyl chloride to give the desiredproduct in a solution of 30 ml of methylene chloride.

Reference Example 38 4-[(4-Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoic Acid

A mixture of 4.0 g of Reference Example 32, 11.3 g of m-chloroperbenzoicacid in 100 ml of chloroform under nitrogen is stirred at reflux for 16hours. The reaction mixture is poured into water and the organic layerseparated, washed with 2N HCl and water. The organic layer is dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to give 6.5 g of the desiredproduct as a yellowish oil.

Reference Example 39 4-(Phenylsulfonyl)benzoic Acid

A mixture of 7.0 g of Reference Example 33 and 11.5 g ofm-chloroperbenzoic acid in 80 ml of chloroform under nitrogen is stirredat reflux for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is evaporated in vacuo andthe residue suspended in 200 ml of ice water. The resulting insolublesolid product is collected and dried in a vacuum oven at 60° C. to give7.2 g of the desired product, m.p. 128°-132° C. M+H=263.

Reference Example 40 4-[(4-Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoic Acid, MethylEster

A solution of 6.5 g of Reference Example 38 in 200 ml of methyl alcoholcontaining a few drops of sulfuric acid is refluxed for 16 hours. Thevolatiles are removed in vacuo and 150 ml of ice water added to theresidue. The resulting solid is collected by filtration and washed with200 ml of water. The solid is dried in a vacuum over at 60° C. for 16hours to give 3.5 g of a white fluffy product. M+H=291.1; M+Na=313.1

Reference Example 41 4-[(4-Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoic Acid

A mixture of 2.5 g of Reference Example 40 is dissolved in 60 ml of 1:1water:methanol and 20 ml of 5% NaOH and stirred at room temperature for8 hours. The volatiles are evaporated in vacuo to a residue which isstirred in 50 ml of ice water and acidified with about 20 ml of 10N HClsolution. The resulting solid is collected, washed with 200 ml of waterand dried in a vacuum over at 60° C. to give 2.0 g of the desiredproduct, M+H=277.

Reference Example 42 4-[(4-Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoyl Chloride

A mixture of 2.0 g of Reference Example 41 and 30 ml of thionyl chlorideis heated at 80° C. under nitrogen for 45 minutes. The volatiles areevaporated in vacuo to a residue which is evaporated with toluene andwith carbon tetrachloride. The final residue is dissolved in 30 ml ofmethylene chloride to be used in the next step.

Reference Example 43 4'-(2-Propenyloxy)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxylicAcid Ethyl Ester

A mixture of 10.0 g of 4'-hydroxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid,ethyl ester is dissolved in 100 ml of acetone and 8.02 g of allylbromide added under a nitrogen atmosphere. While stirring 15.0 g ofpotassium carbonate is added and the reaction mixture refluxed for 16hours. The reaction mixture is cooled to 0° C. and poured into 200 ml ofice-water and extracted with chloroform (3×150 ml). The combinedextracts are washed with 1N HCl and water, dried (Na₂ SO₄) andevaporated in vacuo to give 12.0 g of the desired product m.p. 89°-92°C. M+H=283.

Reference Example 44 4'-(2-Propenyloxy)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxylicAcid

A mixture of 6.0 g of Reference Example 43 in 60 ml of ethanol and 30 mlof 5N NaOH is stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The reactionmixture is poured into 200 ml of ice water, acidified with HCl,extracted with chloroform (3×150 ml), washed with saturated NaHCO₃ andwater. The organic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and evaporated in vacuo togive 4.4 g of the desired product as a solid, m.p. 360° C., M+H=255.

Reference Example 45 4'-(2-Propenyloxy)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carbonylchloride

A mixture of 9.0 g of Reference Example 44 in 45 ml of thionyl chlorideis refluxed under nitrogen for 45 minutes. The volatiles are evaporatedin vacuo and the residue evaporated in vacuo from carbontetrachloride(2×30 ml) to a residue which is dissolved in 30 ml of methylene chloridefor use in the next reaction.

Reference Example 46 Tributyl[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]Stannane

To a solution of 10.0 g of 2-bromotrifluoromethylbenzene under nitrogenin 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran while cooling in a dry ice-acetone bath isadded dropwise 30.6 ml of a 1.6M solution of butyl lithium via syringe.Stirring is continued for 1 hour. To the reaction mixture is addeddropwise 15.9 g of tributyltin chloride in 30 ml of tetrahydrofuran.Stirred ? additional hours. The reaction mixture is quenched with 20 mlof water and after stirring for 20 minutes, extracted with chloroform(3×100 ml). The organic layer is filtered through diatomaceous earth andthe filtrate washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and water. The organic layeris dried (Na₂ SO₄) and evaporated in vacuo to give 16.8 g of the desiredproduct. MS 379.1

Reference Example 47 2-(Tributylstannyl)pyridine

To a solution of 10.0 g of 2-bromo-pyridine under nitrogen in 100 ml oftetrahydrofuran while cooling in a dry ice-acetone bath is addeddropwise 47.0 ml of a 1.6M solution of butyl lithium via syringe.Stirring is continued for 1 hour. To the reaction mixture is addeddropwise 24.7 g of tributyltin chloride in 30 ml of tetrahydrofuran andstirred 1 additional hour. The reaction mixture is quenched with 20 mlof water and 100 ml additional water is added. After stirring for 20minutes the reaction mixture is extracted with chloroform (3×100 ml).The organic layer is filtered through diatomaceous earth and thefiltrate washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and water. The organic layer isdried (Na₂ SO₄) and evaporated in vacuo to give 21.2 g of the desiredproduct. MS 379.1

Reference Example 48 2-(Tributylstannyl)thiazole

To a solution of 10.0 g of 2-bromothiazole under nitrogen in 50 ml oftetrahydrofuran while cooling in a dry ice-acetone bath is addeddropwise 36.6 ml of a 1.6M solution of butyl lithium via syringe.Stirring is continued for 1 hour. To the reaction mixture is addeddropwise 29.8 g of tributyltin chloride in 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran.Stirred 1 additional hour. The reaction mixture is quenched with 20 mlof water and 50 ml additional water is added. After stirring for 20minutes the reaction mixture is extracted with chloroform (3×60 ml). Theorganic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and evaporated in vacuo to give 11.7 gof the desired product.

Reference Example 4910-[(6-Chloro-3-pyridinyl)carbonyl]-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 50 ml of drymethylene chloride, under nitrogen, and 7.0 ml of triethylamine is added1.43 g of 6-chloro-pyridine-3-carbonyl chloride. The reaction mixture isstirred at room temperature for 16 hours and poured into 100 ml ofwater. The organic layer is separated, washed with 2% HCl, water,saturated NaHCO₃, and dried (Na₂ SO₄). The solvent is evaporated Anvacuo to give a residue which is columned on silica gel by elution with7:1 to 1:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 1.76 g of the desired product asa yellowish crystalline solid. M+H=324.

Reference Example 50 4,5-Dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2-(2-thienyl)-oxazole

A solution of 30.4 g of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol in 125 ml ofmethylene chloride is added dropwise to a solution of 25.0 g of2-thiophenecarboxyl chloride in 125 ml of methylene chloride whilemaintaining the temperature below 20° C. The mixture is stirred at roomtemperature for 2 hours and washed with water. The organic layer isdried over MgSO₄ and evaporated in vacuo to a residue. The residue issuspended in methylene chloride and 67.7 g of thionyl chloride addeddropwise while maintaining the temperature below 30° C. The reactionmixture is stirred at room temperature for 18 hours and the volatilesevaporated in vacuo to a residue which is dissolved in water. Theaqueous solution is rendered alkaline with 1N NaOH and extracted withether. The organic layer is dried with MgSO₄ and concentrated in vacuoto give 31.1 g of the desired product as a yellowish oil.

Reference Example 51 4,5-Dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2-[3-tributylstannyl)-2-thienyl]-oxazole

To a solution of 5.0 g of 4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2-(2-thienyl)-oxazolein 20 ml of ether is added dropwise 18.75 ml of butyl lithium whilemaintaining the temperature at -70° C. with stirring under nitrogen. Thereaction mixture is stirred at -70° C. for 15 minutes and 30 minutes at0° C. The reaction mixture is cooled to -70° C. and 10.0 g of tributyltin chloride added. The reaction mixture is quenched with water andextracted with ether. The organic layer is washed with water (2×100 ml),dried and evaporated in vacuo to give 17.4 g of residue which ispurified by chromatography on silica gel by elution with 7:1hexane:ethyl acetate to give 12.4 g of a yellowish oil. MS(M+H=472) thenext step is example 19

Reference Example 52 4-(4-Methylphenoxy)benzoic Acid

To a solution of 4.36 g of 4-methyl-phenol in 70 ml of drydimethylsulfoxide under nitrogen with stirring is added 9.0 g ofpotassium t-butoxide. After stirring for 15 minutes, 0.1 g of coppermetal is added followed by 10.0 g of 4-iodobenzoic acid. The reactantsare stirred under nitrogen while heating at 210° C. for 18 hours. Thecooled reaction mixture is extracted with chloroform (2×900 ml) and theremaining water acidified with 2N HCl (pH=3) with ice bath cooling, togive 8.1 g of the desired product. MS(M+H=229.0)

Reference Example 53 4-(4-Methylphenoxy)benzoyl Chloride

A solution of 2.0 g of 4-(4-methylphenoxy)benzoic acid in 30 ml ofmethylene chloride is added 1.67 g of oxalyl chloride and the mixturerefluxed for 30 minutes with stirring under nitrogen. The reactionmixture is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is evaporated withcarbon tetrachloride(2×30 ml).

Reference Example 54 4-[4-Propylphenyl]benzoyl Chloride

A mixture of 2.0 g of 4-(4-propylphenyl]benzoic acid and 30 ml ofthionyl chloride is stirred at reflux for 45 minutes. The reactionmixture is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is evaporated fromcarbon tetrachloride (2×50 ml) to give a residue which is dissolved inmethylene chloride.

Reference Example 55 6-Hydroxynicotinic Acid Methyl Ester

To 500 ml of methyl alcohol, cooled to 0°-5° C. is added HCl gas over 30minutes. The solution is allowed to reach room temperature and 50 g of6-hydroxynicotinic acid added. The reaction mixture is stirred at refluxfor 2 days. The methyl alcohol is removed in vacuo and the residuesuspended in 200 ml of water and poured into 300 ml of saturated aqueousNaHCO₃. The insoluble crystals are collected by filtration, washed with500 ml of water and dried under vacuum at 60° C. to give 53.9 g of thedesired product

Reference Example 56 Methyl 6-hydroxypyridine-3-carboxylate, o-triflate

A stirred solution of 8.0 g of pyridine and 5.0 g of 6-hydroxynicotinicacid methyl ester in 50 ml of methylene chloride is cooled to 0° C.under nitrogen while 22.0 g of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride isadded. The reaction mixture is refluxed for 16 hours, evaporated invacuo to a residue which is stirred with 200 ml of ice water and thesolid collected. The solid is dried in a vacuum oven at 30° C. to give7.0 g of the desired product.

Reference Example 57 2-(Tributylstannyl)thiophene

A solution of 8.4 g of thiophene in 200 ml of ether is stirred, cooledto 0° C. under nitrogen while 48.0 g of butyl lithium is added dropwisevia syringe. After stirring for 1 hour, the reaction mixture is cooledto -78° C. and 35.0 ml of tributyl tin chloride is added dropwise viasyringe. Following stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes, thereaction mixture is quenched with 60 ml of water, poured over crushedice and extracted with ether (3×200 ml). The organic layer is dried andevaporated in vacuo to give 46.2 g of the desired product as a residue.

Reference Example 58 Methyl 6-(2-thienyl)pyridine-3-carboxylate

A solution of 2.0 g of (methyl 6-hydroxypyridine-3-carboxylate,o-triflate) and 5.23 g of 2-(tributylstannyl)thiophene in 50 ml of drytoluene is stirred under nitrogen at reflux for 16 hours in the presenceof tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(O). The reaction mixture isdiluted with 50 ml of chloroform and filtered through a pad ofdiatomaceous earth. The filtrate is evaporated in vacuo to a residuewhich is extracted and decanted (2×100 ml) with 1:1 ether:petroleumether. The combined extracts are evaporated in vacuo to give 1.6 g ofthe desired product as a residue.

Reference Example 59 6-(2-Thienyl)pyridine-3-carboxylic acid

A solution of 2.0 g of methyl 6-(2-thienyl)pyridine-3-carboxylate in 100ml of methyl alcohol and 50 ml of 5N sodium hydroxide is stirred at roomtemperature for 16 hours under nitrogen. The reaction mixture isevaporated in vacuo to about one quarter of the volume and then dilutedwith 150 ml of cold water. The pH is adjusted to 4 with acetic acid andthe desired white product collected, washed with 400 ml of cold wateruntil neutral. The solid is washed with 50 ml of petroleum ether anddried under vacuum to 40° C. to give the desired product.

Reference. Example 60 6-(2-Thienyl)pyridine-3-carbonyl chloride

A mixture of 1.8 g of 6-(2-thienyl)pyridine-3-carboxylic acid in 50 mlof thionyl chloride is refluxed under dry conditions for 1 hour. Thereaction mixture is evaporated to dryness and evaporated again from 50ml of carbon tetrachloride to a residue. The residue is dissolved in 60ml of methylene chloride and used further reactions.

Example 110,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(2-thienyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 1.64 g of10,11-dihydro-10-(4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine,1.9 g of 2-tri-n-butylstannyl thiophene and 200 mg oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(O) in 200 ml of toluene isrefluxed under nitrogen for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is evaporatedin vacuo to a residue which is purified by column chromatography onsilica gel by elution with 5:1 hexane:ethyl acetate to give 1.2 g of thedesired product as a solid. Mass spectrum: M+H:371.

Example 210,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(2-nitrophenyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 3.0 g of10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(tributylstannyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine,200 mg of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(O) and 2.0 g of1-bromo-2-nitrobenzene in 200 ml of toluene is refluxed for 16 hours.The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo toa residue which is purified by column chromatography on silica gel byelution with 30% ethyl acetate-hexane to give 1.2 g of the desiredproduct as a solid. Mass spectrum: M+H:410.

Example 310,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(3,5-difluorophenyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 1.5 g of10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(tributylstannyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine,1 ml of 3,5-difluoro-1-bromobenzene and 200 mg oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(O) in 200 ml of toluene isrefluxed for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrateevaporated in vacuo to a residue which is purified by columnchromatography on silica gel by elution with 30% ethyl acetate-hexane togive 700 mg of the desired product as a solid. Mass spectrum: M+H:401.

Example 410,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(phenylethynyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c]1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 2.0 g of10,11-dihydro-10-[4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine,1.0 g of phenylacetylene and 200 mg of Pd(II) chloride is refluxed in250 ml of acetonitrile for 4 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled toroom temperature and the resulting yellow crystalline solid collected,dried and crystallized from methyl alcohol to afford 1.2 g of thedesired product. Mass spectrum: M+H:389.

Example 510,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(2-methylphenyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 2.0 g of10,11-dihydro-10-(4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine,3.0 g of 2-(tributylstannyl)toluene and 200 mg oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(O) in 200 ml of toluene isrefluxed for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is evaporated in vacuo to aresidue which is purified by column chromatography on silica gel byelution with 30% ethyl acetate-hexane to give 1.0 g of the desiredproduct as a solid. Mass spectrum: M+H:379.

Example 610,11-Dihydro-3-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-10-[4-(2-thienyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 400 mg of10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(2-thienyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine,10 ml of 40% formalin and 10 ml of 40% N,N-dimethylamine in 50 ml of 1:1tetrahydrofuran:methyl alcohol is refluxed for 3 hours. The reactionmixture is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is extracted withchloroform, washed with water, dried over Na₂ SO₄, filtered and thefiltrate evaporated in vacuo to give a residue which is purified bycolumn chromatography on silica gel by elution with 30% ethylacetate-hexane to give 300 mg of the desired product as a solid. Massspectrum: M+H:428.

Example 75-([1,1'-Biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-5,10-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a stirred solution of 185 mg of5,10-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 50 ml of methylenechloride containing 2.0 ml of triethylamine is slowly added a solutionof 300 mg of 4-biphenylcarbonyl chloride in 10 ml of methylene chlorideat room temperature. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperaturefor 16 hours and evaporated in vacuo to give a residue. The residue isextracted with chloroform, washed with water, dried over Na₂ SO₄,filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to give a residue which ispurified by column chromatography on silica gel by elution with 30%ethyl acetate-hexane to give 250 mg of the desired product as a solid.Mass spectrum: M+H:366.

Example 8 10,11-Dihydro-10-[[2'-(trifluoromethyl)[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]carbonyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 2.0 g of10,11-dihydro-10-(4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineand 4.2 g of m-trifluoromethyltributyltin in 100 ml of toluene and 30 mlof N,N-dimethylformamide under nitrogen is added 0.5 g oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium and the mixture is heated to 120°C. for 12 hours. The toluene is evaporated in vacuo and the oily residuediluted with 50 ml of chloroform and filtered through diatomaceousearth. The filtrate is washed with water (3×50 ml), dried (Na₂ SO₄) andevaporated in vacuo to give a residue which is columned on silica gel byelution with 7:1 to 1:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 1.75 g of thedesired product as a solid, m.p. 138°-141° C.; M+H=433.4; M+Na=455.4.

Example 910,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(2-pyridinyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 2.0 g of10,11-dihydro-10-(4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineand 4.39 g of 2-[(tri-n-butyl)stannyl]pyridine in 30 ml of toluene undernitrogen is added 0.2 g of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium and themixture heated to 120° C. for 16 hours. The toluene is evaporated invacuo and the oily residue diluted with 50 ml of chloroform and washedwith water, dried (Na₂ SO₄), filtered through diatomaceous earth andevaporated in vacuo to give a residue which is columned on silica gel byelution with 7:1 to 1:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 1.44 g of thedesired product as a solid, m.p. 170°-172° C.; M+H=366.1; M+Na=388.1.

Example 1010,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(2-thiazolyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 1.1 g of10,11-dihydro-10-(4-iodobenzoyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineand 1.49 g of 2-(tributylstannyl)thiazole (Reference Example 48) in 50ml of toluene under nitrogen is added 0.2 g oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium and the mixture heated to 120° C.for 16 hours. The toluene is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which iscolumned on silica gel by elution with 7:1 to 1:1 ethyl acetate:hexaneto give 0.62 g of the desired product as an amphorous solid; M+H=372.3;M+Na=395.3.

Example 1110,11-Dihydro-10-[4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]benzoyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 50 ml of drymethylene chloride, under nitrogen, and cooled to 0° C. is addeddropwise a solution of 2.50 g of 4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]benzoylchloride in 30 ml of methylene chloride. A 5.0 ml portion oftri-ethylamine is added and the reaction mixture stirred at roomtemperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml ofchloroform and washed with 50 ml each of water, 2N HCl, water, saturatedNaHCO₃ and water. The organic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and columned onsilica gel by elution with 7:1 to 3:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 1.96g of the desired product as a solid. M+H 411.2 M+Na 433.2.

Example 1210,11-Dihydro-10-[4-Phenylsulfonyl]benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 30 ml of drymethylene chloride, under nitrogen, and cooled to 0° C. is addeddropwise a solution of 1.82 g of 4-(phenylsulfonyl)benzoyl chloride in30 ml of methylene chloride. A 7.0 ml portion of tri-ethylamine is addedand the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Thereaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml of chloroform and washed with 50ml each of water, 2N HCl, water, saturated NaHCO₃ and water. The organiclayer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and columned on silica gel by elution with 7:1to 3:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 2.2 g of the desired product as asolid. M+H 429.2 M+Na 451.2.

Example 1310,11-Dihydro-10-[4-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 2.13 g of 4-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoyl chloride(Reference Example 42) and 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 30 ml of methylenechloride containing 7 ml of triethylamine is stirred under nitrogenatmosphere for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with ? ml ofchloroform and washed with 2N HCl, water, saturated NaHCO₃ and water.The organic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and columned on silica gel byelution with 7:1 to 3:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 1.3 g of thedesired product as a solid. M+H 443.2; M+Na 465.2.

Example 1410,11-Dihydro-10-[[4'-(2-propenyloxy)[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]carbonyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 3.3 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 60 ml of drymethylene chloride, under nitrogen, and cooled to 0° C. is added 22.0 mlof triethylamine followed by a solution of 1.2 equivalents of4'-(2-propenyloxy)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carbonyl chloride in 20 ml ofmethylene chloride. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperaturefor 16 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml of chloroformand washed with 50 ml each of water, 2N HCl, water, saturated NaHCO₃ andwater. The organic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and columned on silica gelby elution with 7:1 to 3:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 4.8 g of thedesired product as a solid. M+H 421.2 M+Na 443.2.

Example 1510,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(phenylthio)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a solution of 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 50 ml of drymethylene chloride, under nitrogen, and cooled to 0° C. is added 5.0 mlof triethylamine followed by a solution of 2.16 g of4-(phenylthio)benzoyl chloride (Reference Example 34) in 30 ml ofmethylene chloride. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperaturefor 16 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml of chloroformand washed with 50 ml each of water, 2N HCl, water, saturated NaHCO₃ andwater. The organic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and columned on silica gelby elution with 7:1 to 3:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 1.92 g of thedesired product as a solid. M+H 397.1 M+Na 419.1.

Example 1610-(4-Benzoylbenzoyl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A mixture of 2.16 g of 4-(benzoyl)benzoyl chloride (Reference Example36) and 1.0 g of 10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in30 ml of methylene chloride containing 7 ml of triethylamine is stirredunder nitrogen atmosphere for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is dilutedwith 50 ml of chloroform and washed with 2N HCl, water, saturated NaHCO₃and water. The organic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and columned on silicagel by elution with 7:1 to 3:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 1.8 g of thedesired product as a solid. M+H 393.2; M+Na 415.2.

Example 175-([1,1'-Biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline

To a mixture of 0.5 g of 4,5-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline and 0.96 gof 4-biphenylcarbonyl chloride in 50 ml of methylene chloride underargon is added 7.0 ml of triethylamine followed by stirring at roomtemperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml ofchloroform and washed with water, 2N HCl, saturated NaHCO₃ and water.The organic layer is dried (Na₂ SO₄) and columned on silica gel byelution with 7:1 to 1:1 ethyl acetate:hexane to give 0.87 g of thedesired product as a solid. M+H 351.2; M+Na 373.2.

Example 1810,11-Dihydro-10-[4-(4-methylphenoxy)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a stirred solution of 1.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 30 ml ofmethylene chloride, under nitrogen, while cooling to 0° C. is addeddropwise 30 ml of triethylamine followed by a solution of 1.2equivalents of 4-(4-methylphenoxy)benzoyl chloride in 10 ml of CH₂ Cl₂(Reference Example 53) prepared from Reference Example 52 and thionylchloride. The reactants are stirred at room temperature for 16 hours andconcentrated in vacuo to a residue. The residue is dissolved inmethylene chloride, washed with water, 2N HCl, water, saturated aqueousNaHCO₃, water and dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated in vacuo to give 2.2 g ofthe desired product. MS(M+H=395.1)

Example 1910-([1,1'-Biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A solution of 0.9 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrazolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 30 ml ofmethylene chloride is cooled to 0° C. and 1.6 ml of triethylamine added.A solution of 1.2 equivalents of 4-biphenylcarbonyl chloride in 10 ml ofCH₂ Cl₂ is added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperaturefor 16 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml of chloroformand washed with 20 ml each of water, 2N HCl, water, saturated aqueousNaHCO₃ and water. The organic layer is dried and evaporated in vacuo toa residue. The residue is purified by column chromatography on silicagel by elution with 3:1 hexane:ethyl acetate to give 1.5 g of thedesired product.

Example 2010-([1,1'-Biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-10,11-dihydro-N,N-dimethyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-methanamine

A solution of 0.6 g of10-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepinein 50 ml of 1:1 methyl alcohol:tetrahydrofuran is stirred under nitrogenwhile 10 ml of a 30% solution of formaldehyde, 10 ml of a 40% solutionof dimethylamine and 2 drops of acetic acid is added. The reactionmixture is stirred at room temperature for 16 hours then extracted withchloroform (3×100 ml) and the organic layer washed with saturatedaqueous NaHCO₃ (2×50 ml), water (2×50 ml), dried and evaporated in vacuoto give 0.68 g of a residue which is stirred with petroleum ether togive 0.62 g of the desired product as a crystalline solid, m.p. 85°-87°C.

Example 2110,11-Dihydro-10-[(4'-propyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

To a stirred solution of 2.0 g of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 30 ml of methylenechloride, under nitrogen, while cooling to 0° C. is added dropwise 30 mlof triethylamine followed by a solution of4'-(propyl)[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carbonyl chloride in 10 ml of methylenedichloride. The reactants are stirred at room temperature for 16 hours.The reaction mixture is poured in ice water and extracted with methylenechloride (3×50 ml) The organic layer is, washed with water, 2N citricacid, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, water and dried (MgSO₄) and evaporatedin vacuo to give a residue which is purified by column chromatography onsilica gel with ethyl acetate-hexane to give 1.4 g of the desiredproduct as a crystalline solid, m.p. 118°-120° C. MS(M+H=407.3;M+Na=429.3)

Example 22 10,11-Dihydro-10-[2-(2-thienyl)pyridin-5-yl)carbonyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine

A solution of 5 mmol of10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrazolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine in 30 ml ofmethylene chloride is cooled to 0° C. and 10.0 ml of triethylamineadded. A solution of 6 mmol of Reference Example 60 is added and thereaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reactionmixture is diluted with 60 ml of chloroform and washed with 40 ml eachof water, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ and water. The organic layer is driedand evaporated in vacuo to a residue. The residue is purified by columnchromatography on silica gel by elution with 3:1 hexane:ethyl acetate togive the desired product.

UTILITY TESTING

Binding Assay to Rat Hepatic V1 Receptors

Rat liver plasma membranes expressing the vasopressin V₁ receptorsubtypes are isolated by sucrose density gradient according to themethod described by Lesko et al., (1973). These membranes are quicklysuspended in 50.0 mM Tris.HCl buffer, pH 7.4, containing 0.2% bovineserum albumin (BSA) and 0.1 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF) andkept frozen at -70° C. until used in subsequent binding experiments. Forbinding experiments, the following is added to the wells of a ninety-sixwell format microtiter plate: 100 μl of 100.0 mM Tris.HCl buffercontaining 10.0 mM MgCl₂, 0.2% heat inactivated BSA and a mixture ofprotease inhibitors: leupeptin, 1.0 mg %; aprotinin, 1.0 mg %;1,10-phenanthroline, 2.0 mg %; trypsin inhibitor, 10.0 mg % and 0.1 mMPMSF, 20.0 μl of [phenylalanyl-3,4,5,-³ H] vasopressin (S.A. 45.1Ci/mmole) at 0.8 nM, and the reaction initiated by the addition of 80 μlof tissue membranes containing 20 μg of tissue protein. The plates arekept undisturbed on the bench top at room temperature for 120 min. toreach equilibrium. Non-specific samples are assayed in the presence of0.1 μM of the unlabeled antagonist phenylalanylvasopressin, added in20.0 μl volume.

For test compounds, these are solubilized in 50% dimethylsulfoxide(DMSO) and added in 20.0 μl volume to a final incubation volume of 200μl. Upon completion of binding, the content of each well is filteredoff, using a Brandel®, cell Harvester (Gaithersburg, Md.). Theradioactivity trapped on the filter disk by the ligand-receptor complexis assessed by liquid scintillation counting in a Packard LS Counter,with an efficiency of 65% for tritium. The data are analyzed for IC₅₀values by the LUNDON-2 program for competition (LUNDON SOFTWARE, Ohio).

Binding Assay to Rat Kidney Medullary V₂ Receptors

Medullary tissues from rat kidneys are dissected out, cut into smallpieces and soaked in a 0.154 mM sodium chloride solution containing 1.0mM EDTA with many changes of the liquid phase, until the solution isclear of blood. The tissue is homogenized in a 0.25M sucrose solutioncontaining 1.0 mM EDTA and 0.1 mM PMSF using a Potter-Elvehjemhomogenizer with a teflon pestle. The homogenate is filtered throughseveral layers (4 layers) of cheese cloth. The filtrate is rehomogenizedusing a dounce homogenizer, with a tight fitting pestle. The finalhomogenate is centrifuged at 1500× g for 15 min. The nuclear pellet isdiscarded and the supernatant fluid recentrifuged at 40,000× g for 30min. The resulting pellet formed contains a dark inner part with theexterior, slightly pink. The pink outer part is suspended in a smallamount of 50.0 mM Tris.HCl buffer, pH 7.4. The protein content isdetermined by the Lowry's method (Lowry et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1953).The membrane suspension is stored at - 70° C., in 50.0 mM Tris.HCl,containing 0.2% inactivated BSA and 0.1 mM PMSF in aliquots of 1.0 mlcontaining 10.0 mg protein per ml of suspension until use in subsequentbinding experiments.

For binding experiments, the following is added in μl volume to wells ofa 96 well format of a microtiter plate: 100.0 μl of 100.0 mM Tris.HClbuffer containing 0.2% heat inactivated BSA, 10.0 mM MgCl₂ and a mixtureof protease inhibitors: leupeptin, 1.0 mg %; aprotinin, 1.0 mg %;1,10-phenanthroline, 2.0 mg %; trypsin inhibitor, 10.0 mg % and 0.1 mMPMSF, 20.0 μl of [³ H] Arginine⁸, vasopressin (S.A. 75.0 Ci/mmole) at0.8 nM and the reaction initiated by the addition of 80.0 μl of tissuemembranes (200.0 μg tissue protein). The plates are left undisturbed onthe bench top for 120 min to reach equilibrium. Non-specific binding isassessed in the presence of 1.0 μM of unlabeled ligand, added in 20 μlvolume. For test compounds, these are solubilized in 50%dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and added in 20.0 μl volume to a finalincubation volume of 200 μl. Upon completion of binding, the content ofeach well is filtered off, using a Brandel, cell Harvester(Gaithersburg, Md.). The radioactivity trapped on the filter disk by theligand-receptor complex is assessed by liquid scintillation counting ina Packard LS Counter, with an efficiency of 65% for tritium. The dataare analyzed for IC₅₀ values by the LUNDON-2 program for competition(LUNDON SOFTWARE, Ohio). The results of this test on representativecompounds of this invention are shown in Table I.

Radioligand Binding Experiments with Human Platelet Membranes

(a) Platelet Membrane Preparation

Frozen platelet rich plasma (PRP), (Platelet Source: Hudson Valley BloodServices, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y.) are thawed to roomtemperature. The tubes containing the PRP are centrifuged at 16,000× gfor 10 min. at 4° C. and the supernatant fluid discarded. The plateletsresuspended in an equal volume of 50.0 mM Tris.HCl, pH 7.5 containing120 mM NaCl and 20.0 mM EDTA. The suspension is recentrifuged at 16,000×g for 10 min. This washing step is repeated one more time. The washdiscarded and the lysed pellets homogenized in low ionic strength bufferof Tris.HCl, 5.0 mM, pH 7.5 containing 5.0 mM EDTA. The homogenate iscentrifuged at 39,000× g for 10 min. The resulting pellet is resuspendedin Tris.HCl buffer, 70.0 mM, pH 7.5 and recentrifuged at 39,000× g for10 min. The final pellet is resuspended in 50.0 mM Tris.HCl buffer pH7.4 containing 120 mM NaCl and 5.0 mM KCl to give 1.0-2.0 mg protein perml of suspension.

(b) Binding to Vasopressin V1 receptor subtype in Human PlateletMembranes

In wells of a 96 well format microtiter plate, add 100 μl of 50.0 mMTris.HCl buffer containing 0.2% BSA and a mixture of protease inhibitors(aprotinin, leupeptin etc.). Then add 20 μl of [³ H]Ligand (Manning orArg⁸ Vasopressin), to give final concentrations ranging from 0.01 to10.0 nM. Initiate the binding by adding 80.0 μl of platelet suspension(approx. 100 μg protein). Mix all reagents by pipetting the mixture upand down a few times. Non specific binding is measured in the presenceof 1.0 lM of unlabeled ligand (Manning or Arg⁸ Vasopressin). Let themixture stand undisturbed at room temperature for ninety (90) min. Uponthis time, rapidly filter off the incubate under vacuum suction overGF/B filters, using a Brandel Harvester. Determine the radioactivitycaught on the filter disks by the addition of liquid scintillant andcounting in a liquid scintillator.

Binding to Membranes of Mouse Fibroblast Cell Line (LV-2) Transfectedwith the cDNA Expressing the Human V2 Vasopressin Receptor

(a) Membrane Preparation

Flasks of 175 ml capacity, containing attached cells grown toconfluence, are cleared of culture medium by aspiration. The flaskscontaining the attached cells are rinsed with 2×5 ml of phosphatebuffered saline (PBS) and the liquid aspirated off each time. Finally, 5ml of an enzyme free dissociation Hank's based solution (SpecialtyMedia, Inc., Lafayette, N.J.) is added and the flasks are leftundisturbed for 2 min. The content of all flasks is poured into acentrifuge tube and the cells pelleted at 300× g for 15 min. The Hank'sbased solution is aspirated off and the cells homogenized with apolytron at setting #6 for 10 sec in 10.0 mM Tris.HCl buffer, pH 7.4containing 0.25M sucrose and 1.0 mM EDTA. The homogenate is centrifugedat 1500× g for 10 min to remove ghost membranes. The supernatant fluidis centrifuged at 100,000× g for 60 min to pellet the receptor protein.Upon completion, the pellet is resuspended in a small volume of 50.0 mMTris.HCl buffer, pH 7.4. The protein content is determined by the Lowrymethod and the receptor membranes are suspended in 50.0 mM Tris.HClbuffer containing 0.1 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF) and 0.2%bovine serum albumin (BSA) to give 2.5 mg receptor protein per ml ofsuspension.

(b) Receptor Binding

For binding experiments, the following is added in μl volume to wells ofa 96 well format of a microtiter plate: 100.0 μl of 100.0 mM Tris.HClbuffer containing 0.2% heat inactivated BSA, 10.0 mM MgCl₂ and a mixtureof protease inhibitors: leupeptin, 1.0 mg %; aprotinin, 1.0 mg %;1,10-phenanthroline, 2.0 mg %; trypsin inhibitor, 10.0 mg % and 0.1 mMPMSF., 20.0 μl of [³ H] Arginine⁸, vasopressin (S.A. 75.0 Ci/mmole) at0.8 nM and the reaction initiated by the addition of 80.0 μl of tissuemembranes (200.0 μg tissue protein). The plates are left undisturbed onthe bench top for 120 min to reach equilibrium. Non specific binding isassessed in the presence of 1.0 μM of unlabeled ligand, added in 20 μlvolume. For test compounds, these are solubilized in 50%dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and added in 20.0 μl volume to a finalincubation volume of 200 μl. Upon completion of binding, the content ofeach well is filtered off, using a Brandel, cell Harvester(Gaithersburg, Md.). The radioactivity trapped on the filter disk by theligand-receptor complex is assessed by liquid scintillation counting ina Packard LS Counter, with an efficiency of 65% for tritium. The dataare analyzed for IC₅₀ values by the LUNDON-2 program for competition(LUNDON SOFTWARE, Ohio).

                                      TABLE I                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Binding Assay to Rat Hepatic V.sub.1 Receptors and Rat Kidney                 Medullary V.sub.2 Receptors of *Binding to V.sub.1 Receptor                   Subtype in Human Platelet and **Binding to Membranes of                       Mouse Fibroblast Cell Line(LV-2) Transfected with the                         cDNA Expressing the Human V.sub.2 Receptor                                                               V.sub.1 V.sub.2                                    Ex. No.                                                                            Structure             IC.sub.50 (μM)                                                                     IC.sub.50 (μM)                          __________________________________________________________________________          ##STR73##            0.013*  0.51**                                     2                                                                                   ##STR74##            0.064*  0.096**                                    3                                                                                   ##STR75##            0.085*  2.5**                                      4                                                                                   ##STR76##            1 μM (35%)*                                                                        1 μM (63%)**                            5                                                                                   ##STR77##            0.088*  2.0**                                      6                                                                                   ##STR78##            0.063*  15 μM**                                 7                                                                                   ##STR79##            0.014*  1.7**                                      8                                                                                   ##STR80##            0.67    3.3                                        9                                                                                   ##STR81##            0.4     1.2                                        10                                                                                  ##STR82##            10 μM (58%)                                                                        10 μM (48%)                             11                                                                                  ##STR83##            1 μM (15%)*                                                                        1 μM (32*)**                            12                                                                                  ##STR84##            10 μM (42%)                                                                        10 μM (66%)                             13                                                                                  ##STR85##            0.021*  1 μM (51%)                              14                                                                                  ##STR86##            10 μM (9%)*                                                                        1 μM (63%)                              15                                                                                  ##STR87##            1 μM (47%)*                                                                        1 μM (42%)**                            16                                                                                  ##STR88##            10 μM (82%)*                                                                       1 μM (42%)                              17                                                                                  ##STR89##            1 μM (63%)                                                                         1 μM (55%)                              18                                                                                  ##STR90##            0.28*                                                                                  ##STR91##                                 19                                                                                  ##STR92##            0.0029* 0.39**                                     20                                                                                  ##STR93##            0.013*  10 μM (78%)**                           21                                                                                  ##STR94##            0.012*  0.058**                                    22                                                                                  ##STR95##            0.96*   3.6**                                      __________________________________________________________________________

Vasopressin V₂ Antagonist Activity in Conscious Hydrated Rats

Conscious hydrated rats are treated with compounds under study from 0.1to 100 mg/kg orally or vehicle. Two to four rats are used for eachcompound. One hour later, arginine vasopressin (AVP, antidiuretichormore, ADH) dissolved in peanut oil is administered at 0.4 μg/kgintraperitoneally. Two rats in each test would not receive argininevasopressin but only the vehicle (peanut oil) to serve as water-loadingcontrol. Twenty minutes later each rat is given 30 mL/kg of deionizedwater orally by gavage and is placed individually in a metabolic cageequipped with a funnel and a graduated glass cylinder to collect urinefor four hours. Urine volume is measured and osmolality analyzed by useof a Fiske One-Ten osmometer (Fiske Assoc., Norwood, Mass., USA).Urinary sodium, potassium, and chloride are analyzed by use ofion-specific electrodes in a Beckman E3 (Electrolyte 3) Analyzer.

In the following results, decreased urine volume and decreasedosmolality relative to AVP-control indicates activity. The results ofthis test on representative compounds of this invention are shown inTable II.

                  TABLE II                                                        ______________________________________                                        Vasopressin V2 Antagonist Activity In                                         Conscious Hydrated Rats                                                                                  Urine                                                       Dose              Volume  Osmolality                                 Ex. No.  (mg/kg)  N        (ml/4 hrs)                                                                            (mOsm/kg)                                  ______________________________________                                        *                 78       13.3 ± 0.3                                                                         229 ± 6                                 **                6        12.1 ± 1                                                                           497 ± 53                                                  4        12.4 ± 0.8                                                                         361 ± 30                                ***               76         2 ± 0.2                                                                          1226 ± 58                                1       10       2        5       1148                                        2       10       2        5.5     1257                                        3       10       2        5.9     1205                                        4       10       3        6.3     1033                                        5       10       2        7.8      992                                        7       10       2        7.5     1005                                        8       10       2        8        887                                        9       10       2        8.3      857                                       11       10       2        11       825                                       12       10       2        5.8     1254                                       13       10       2        5.5     1380                                       14       10       2        4       1247                                       15       10       2        4       1278                                       16       10       2        6       1022                                       17       10       2        10.3     929                                       18       10       2        5.3      919                                       19       10       2        3.5     1598                                       20       10       2        3.5     1650                                       21       10       2        4.5     1347                                       ______________________________________                                         *Water-load control                                                           **Water-load Control + DMSO (10%)                                             ***AVP-control                                                           

Vasopressin V₁ Antagonist Activity in Conscious Rats

Conscious rats are restrained in a supine position with elastic tape.The area at the base of the tail is locally anesthetized by subcutaneousin filtration with 2% procaine (0.2 ml). Using aseptic technique theventral caudal tail artery is isolated and a cannula made of PE 10 and20 (heat-fused) tubing is passed into the lower abdominal aorta. Thecannula is secured, heparinized (1000 i.u./cc), sealed and the woundclosed with one or two stitches of Dexon 4-0. The caudal vein is alsocannulated in the same manner for intravenous drug administration. Theduration of the surgery is approximately 5 minutes. Additional localanesthesia (2% procaine or lidocaine) is provided as needed.

The animals are placed in plastic restraining cages in an uprightposition. The cannula is attached to a Statham P23Db pressure transducerand pulsatile blood pressure is recorded. Increase of systolic bloodpressure responses to arginine vasopressin 0.01 and 0.2 internationalunit (I.U.)(350 I.U.=1 mg) injections are recorded prior to any drug(compound) administration, after which each rat is dosed orally withcompounds under study 0.1-100 mg/kg (10 cc/kg) or intravenously 0.1-30mg/kg (1 cc/kg). The vasopressin injections are repeated30,60,90,120,180,240 and 300 min. later. Percentage of antagonism by thecompound is calculated using the pre-drug vasopressin vasopressorresponse as 100%.

The results of this test on representative compounds of this inventionin which the dose, the maximum % inhibition and the time in minutes, areshown in Table III.

                  TABLE III                                                       ______________________________________                                        VASOPRESSIN (VAS) VASOPRESSOR RESPONSE                                                                   Max %                                              Ex. No.   Dose mg/kg       Inhibition                                                                           Time (min)                                  ______________________________________                                         1        30      po       53     120                                          3        10      iv       92     30                                           4        30      iv       30     90                                           7        10      iv       90     30                                           9        10      iv       70     30                                          11        30      iv       54     300                                         14        30      iv       50     90                                          16        10      iv       67     240                                         17        30      iv       63     60                                          18        30      iv       36     300                                         19        10      iv       60     30                                          20        10      iv       61     240                                         ______________________________________                                    

Oxytocin Receptor Binding

(a) Membrane Preparation

Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 200-250 g are injectedintramuscularly (i.m.) with 0.3 mg/kg of body weight ofdiethylstilbestrol (DES). The rats are sacrificed 18 hours later underpentobarbital anesthesia. The uteri are dissected out, cleaned of fatand connective tissues and rinsed in 50 ml of normal saline. The tissuepooled from six rats is homogenized in 50 ml of 0.01 mM Tris.HCl,containing 0.5 mM dithiothreitol and 1.0 mM EDTA, adjusted to pH 7.4,using a polytron at setting 6 with three passes of 10 sec each. Thehomogenate is passed through two (2) layers of cheesecloth and thefiltrate centrifuged at 1000× g for 10 min. The clear supernatant isremoved and recentrifuged at 165,000× g for 30 min. The resulting pelletcontaining the oxytocin receptors is resuspended in 50.0 mM Tris.HClcontaining 5.0 mM MgCl₂ at pH 7.4, to give a protein concentration of2.5 mg/ml of tissue suspension. This preparation is used in subsequentbinding assays with [³ H]Oxytocin.

(b) Radioligand Binding

Binding of 3,5-[³ H]Oxytocin ([³ H]OT) to its receptors is done inmicrotiter plates using [³ H]OT, at various concentrations, in an assaybuffer of 50.0 mM Tris.HCl, pH 7.4 and containing 5.0 mM MgCl₂, and amixture of protease inhibitors: BSA, 0.1 mg; aprotinin, 1.0 mg;1,10-phenanthroline, 2.0 mg; trypsin, 10.0 mg; and PMSF, 0.3 mg per 100ml of buffer solution. Non-specific binding is determined in thepresence of 1.0 uM unlabeled OT. The binding reaction is terminatedafter 60 min., at 22° C., by rapid filtration through glass fiberfilters using a Brandel, cell harvester (Biomedical Research andDevelopment Laboratories, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.). Competitionexperiments are conducted at equilibrium using 1.0 nM [³ H]OT andvarying the concentration of the displacing agents. The concentrationsof agent displacing 50% of [³ H]OT at its sites (IC₅₀) are calculated bya computer assisted LUNDON-2 program (LUNDON SOFTWARE INC., Ohio, USA).

The results of this assay on representative examples are shown in TableIV.

                  TABLE IV                                                        ______________________________________                                        Oxytocin Binding Assay                                                                             % Inhibition                                             Ex. No.  Dose (μM)                                                                              at 10 μM                                                                              IC.sub.50 (μM)                             ______________________________________                                         2       10          100        0.049 ± 0.003                               3       10          89         2.6                                            4       10          62                                                        6       10          100        0.33                                           7       10          100        0.23                                           8       10          95         1.27                                           9       10          100        0.13                                          10       10          77         2.5                                           11       10          86         1.8                                           12       10          69                                                       13       10          67                                                       14       10          67                                                       15       10          98         2.1                                           16       10          100        0.11                                          17       10          92         1.09                                          18       10          99         0.12                                          19       10          81          0.043                                        20       10          100        0.11                                          21       10          68                                                       22       10          98         0.48                                          ______________________________________                                    

The compounds of the present invention can be used in the form of saltsderived from pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable acids orbases. These salts include but are not limited to the following: saltswith inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitricacid, phosphoric acid and, as the case may be, such organic acids asacetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, and maleic acid. Other saltsinclude salts with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, such assodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium or with organic bases. Thecompounds can also be used in the form of esters, carbamates and otherconventional "pro-drug" forms, which, when administered in such form,convert to the active moiety in vivo. When the compounds are employedfor the above utility, they may be combined with one or morepharmaceutically acceptable carriers, for example, solvents, diluentsand the like, and may be administered orally in such forms as tablets,capsules, dispersible powders, granules, or suspensions containing, forexample, from about 0.05 to 5% of suspending agent, syrups containing,for example, from about 10 to 50% of sugar, and elixirs containing, forexample, from about 20 to 50% ethanol, and the like, or parenterally inthe form of sterile injectable solution or suspension containing fromabout 0.05 to 5% suspending agent in an isotonic medium. Suchpharmaceutical preparations may contain, for example, from about 0.05 upto about 90% of the active ingredient in combination with the carrier,more usually between about 5% and 60 % by weight.

The effective dosage of active ingredient employed may vary depending onthe particular compound employed, the mode of administration and theseverity of the condition being treated. However, in general,satisfactory results are obtained when the compounds of the inventionare administered at a daily dosage of from about 0.5 to about 500 mg/kgof animal body weight, preferably given in divided doses two to fourtimes a day, or in sustained release form. For most large mammals thetotal daily dosage is from about 1 to 100 mg, preferably from about 2 to80 mg. Dosage forms suitable for internal use comprise from about 0.5 to500 mg of the active compound in intimate admixture with a solid orliquid pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This dosage regimen may beadjusted to provide the optimal therapeutic response. For example,several divided doses may be administered daily or the dose may beproportionally reduced as indicated by the exigencies of the therapeuticsituation.

These active compounds may be administered orally as well as byintravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes. Solid carriersinclude starch, lactose, dicalcium phosphate, microcrystallinecellulose, sucrose and kaolin, while liquid carriers include sterilewater, polyethylene glycols, non-ionic surfactants and edible oils suchas corn, peanut and sesame oils, as are appropriate to the nature of theactive ingredient and the particular form of administration desired.Adjuvants customarily employed in the preparation of pharmaceuticalcompositions may be advantageously included, such as flavoring agents,coloring agents, preserving agents, and antioxidants, for example,vitamin E, ascorbic acid, BHT and BHA.

The preferred pharmaceutical compositions from the standpoint of ease ofpreparation and administration are solid compositions, particularlytablets and hard-filled or liquid-filled capsules. Oral administrationof the compounds is preferred.

These active compounds may also be administered parenterally orintraperitoneally. Solutions or suspensions of these active compounds asa free base or pharmacologically acceptable salt can be prepared inwater suitably mixed with a surfactant such as hydroxy propylcellulose.Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethyleneglycols and mixtures thereof in oils. Under ordinary conditions ofstorage and use, these preparation contain a preservative to prevent thegrowth of microorganisms.

The pharmaceutical forms suitable for injectable use include sterileaqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for theextemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions ordispersions. In all cases, the form must be sterile and must be fluid tothe extent that easy syringability exists. It must be stable under theconditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against thecontaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Thecarrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example,water, ethanol, polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol and liquidpolyethylene glycol), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable oils.

The new tricyclic non-peptide vasopressin antagonists of this inventionare useful in treating conditions where decreased vasopressin levels aredesired, such as in congestive heart failure, in disease conditions withexcess renal water reabsorption and in conditions with increasedvascular resistance and coronary vasoconstriction.

In particular, the vasopressin antagonists of this invention aretherapeutically useful in the treatment and/or prevention ofhypertension, cardiac insufficiency, coronary vasospasm, cardiacischemia, renal vasospasm, liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure,nephritic syndrome, brain edema, cerebral ischemia, cerebralhemorrhage-stroke, thrombosis-bleeding and abnormal states of waterretention.

In particular, the oxytocin antagonists of this invention are useful inthe prevention of preterm labor and premature birth which is asignificant cause of infant health problems and infant mortality.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound selected from Formula I: ##STR96##wherein; the moiety: ##STR97## is a fused phenyl ring optionallysubstituted by one or two substituents selected from (C₁ -C₃) loweralkyl, halogen, amino, (C₁ -C₃) lower alkoxy, or (C₁ -C₃) lower alkylamino;A--B is ##STR98## the moiety ##STR99## is a five membered aromatic(unsaturated) nitrogen containing heterocyclic ring wherein D, E, and Fare selected from carbon and nitrogen and wherein the carbon atoms maybe optionally substituted by a substituent selected from halogen, (C₁-C₃) lower alkyl, hydroxy, --COCl₃, --COCF₃, ##STR100## --CHO, amino,(C₁ -C₃) lower alkoxy, (C₁ -C₃) lower alkylamino, CONH-lower alkyl (C₁-C₃), --CON[lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃)]₂ ; q is one or two; R_(b) isindependently selected from H, --CH₃, or --C₂ H₅ ; R₃ is a moiety of theformula ##STR101## wherein Ar is a moiety selected from the group##STR102## wherein R⁶ is selected from ##STR103## wherein L is --O--,--S--, SO, --SO₂ --, --CO--, --CH₂ --, or --C.tbd.C--; K' is CH or N; Xis O, S, or N-lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃); W' is selected from O, S, NH, N-loweralkyl (C₁ -C₃), and N-benzyl; R₄ is selected from H, lower alkyl (C₁-C₃), and --CO-lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃); R⁵ is selected from H, lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃), lower alkoxy (C₁ -C₃), --O--CH₂ --CH₂ ═CH₂ and halogen; R⁷ isselected from H, lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃), --O-lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃), --CF₃and halogen; R⁸ and R⁹ are independently selected from H, lower alkyl(C₁ -C₃), --S-lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃), halogen, --NH-lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃),OCF₃, --OH, --CN, --S--CF₃, --NO₂, --O-lower alkyl (C₁ -C₃), --CO-loweralkyl (C₁ -C₃), and CF₃ ; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, esteror pro-drug form thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 in which D,E, and F are carbon, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester orpro-drug form thereof.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 in which D isnitrogen and E and F are carbon, wherein one of E or F is optionallysubstituted by a substituent selected from the group of halogen, loweralkyl (C₁ -C₃), and lower alkoxy (C₁ -C₃); or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.
 4. A compound accordingto claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(2-thienyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.5. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(2-nitrophenyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.6. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(3,5-difluorophenyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.7. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(phenylethynyl)-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c]1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.8. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(2-methylphenyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.9. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-3-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-10-[4-(2-thienyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.10. A compound according to claim 1 which is5-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-5,10-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.11. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[[2'-(trifluoromethyl)[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]carbonyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.12. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(2-pyridinyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drag form thereof.13. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(2-thiazolyl)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.14. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(4-methylphenyl)thio]benzoyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.15. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-phenylsulfonyl]benzoyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.16. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.17. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4'-(2-propenyloxy)[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]carbonyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.18. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(phenylthio)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.19. A compound according to claim 1 which is10-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.20. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[4-(4-methylphenoxy)benzoyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.21. A compound according to claim 1 which is10-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.22. A compound according to claim 1 which is10-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-ylcarbonyl)-10,11-dihydro-N,N-dimethyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.23. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[(4'-propyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)carbonyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.24. A compound according to claim 1 which is10,11-dihydro-10-[5-[(2-thienyl)pyridinyl]carbonyl]-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or pro-drug form thereof.25. A pharmaceutical composition useful for treating disease in a mammalcharacterized by excess renal reabsorption of water, the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising an effective amount of a compound of claim 1, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug form thereof, and asuitable pharmaceutical carrier.
 26. The pharmaceutical composition ofclaim 25 wherein the disease in a mammal characterized by excess renalreabsorption of water is congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome,hyponatremia, coronary vasospasm, cardiac ischemia, renal vasospasm,liver cirrhosis, brain edema, cerebral ischemia, or cerebralhemorrhage-stroke.
 27. A method for treating disease in a mammalcharacterized by excess renal reabsorption of water, the methodcomprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amountof a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, esteror prodrug form thereof, and a suitable pharmaceutical carrier.
 28. Themethod of claim 27 wherein the disease in a mammal characterized byexcess renal reabsorption of water is congestive heart failure,nephrotic syndrome, hyponatremia, coronary vasospasm, cardiac ischemia,renal vasospasm, liver cirrhosis, brain edema, cerebral ischemia, orcerebral hemorrhage-stroke.